[Inimicus]

((OOC aaallright the new statue thread for Inimicus))

Inimicus wandered out of the portal his cloak wrapped tightly around him sniffing in the cold wind. He hadn't seen the statue in far too long, last time he was here a dog had peed on him to his annoyance...apparently the dog was carrying some virus or other because soon after Inimicus had gotten rather sick, he could barely drag himself from bed to feed Nacht and Himme much less get to the portal, weeks in bed were not something Inimicus particularly enjoyed and he was rather peeved at that dog. The only slight advantage to being in bed was he got the time to read the journal Xanth had given him for christmas and it had helped him alot.

At the moment he was still a bit sick but able to move, his nose was red very obviously against his rather pale skin and he moved slowly and shakily along the familiar path to the statue. It was odd to him to see the Grotto gone, but he was more concerned with resuming his duties than any particular scene change, he hoped he wouldn't mess up the statue more with his cold than he would clean it. Himme had for some reason not wanted to follow him, she had been acting a bit odd lately, nothing major just a bit less enthusiastic lately. So Inimicus walked slowly to the statue wrapped in his cloak

" Damn weather, *sniff* normally the cold is favorable to me but not when I am sick *sniff*...would it be too much to ask for for a few more degrees of heat *sniff*, I need to make some more tea when *sniff* I get back...hopefully Nacht is still waiting there *sniff* when I get back "

Inimicus finally made his way to the large purple statue, he managed a weak smile at the sight of his goddess, it always made him feel comforted to see the goddess, sniffing a bit in the cold he wandered forward and opened his cloak slightly, cleaning supplies dropped out onto the now snow free ground. Slowly he reached down and gathered the supplies needed and began to clean. It took him much longer than normal than normal as he moved slower and his nose was running over the statue which he had to keep cleaning up. Finally he finished and dropped into a sitting position by the statue. He spoke slowly attempting not to sniff

" Beloved Xanth I apologize for my long absence from my duties, i hope you will accept me back into your service. The journal was a great service while i was stuck in bed and I thank you much for it again. "

Inimicus slowly reached out and placed 300 dollars in the offering dish but stayed sitting. Slowly closing his eyes he decided to rest and meditate by the statue a bit.



• Piper's Boutique • Dafont • The Beast • Starry Sky • Model • Obsidian Dawn •

oooooooooh pretty!

Xanth has rewarded your devotion with two wooden star tokens worth 10 karma points.

[Inimicus]

Inimicus popped through the portal into the underground and stopped for a moment just watching. He always loved watching these people bustling around, doing their shoping, living their lives like normal: Humans, Anyeli, Zanaryans, all the races just bustling around with no issues. You know the thing he didnt see too often though during the day? Vampires. He could spot one or two once in a while but as a large factor from what he saw they were absent, shaking his head he bundled up the cleaning supplies closer to his body under his cloak and wandered off to the statue.

It was definatly getting warmer of late, and the sun brighter. Though Xanth had ensured that no vampire would turn to ash in this sunshine it still didnt exactly make Inimicus happy, sunshine was annoying to him even more now than it had been when he was human. Reaching the statue he smiled up at his goddess, such wisdom in one who looked so young. He let his gaze fall from her and wander around the Quadrangle...a statue of a very warrior like woman, and a larger statue of a very violent looking man. All had the same symbols on their skin as he had seen on Xanth before, he shook his head to dispel the thoughts, that was for after he had done his duty. As of late questions had been appearing in his head, not doubts in anyway, but questions. He was starting to believe that maybe Xanth was no Divine creature in the most literal definition of the term, but rather a divinly powerful being of another race.

That was not to say Inimicus thought any less of her, he still revered her as a godess, he was just starting to question the origins of the divine. He saw these...pretenders in his mind, of seemingly the same race as Xanth or at least close to it, had always wondered at her intense dislike of servility from him, and had wondered at how people could dislike, hate, or not take her seriously. Add to that he knew she had made mistakes, like the vampires and therians...he didn't doubt her he just wanted to know who she was in all truth. He shook his head again as he noticed he had just been standing still, he would call to her after he was done.

Inimicus walked over to the statue and began his process of cleaning, the bowls were sadly sparsely filled as he emptied the little contents, loose change much of it, into the statue's base. As the marble slabs slid shut he began the process of scrubbing the statue, it always felt odd to him to be scrubbing such an accurate likeness of his goddess, like he was doing something disrespectful and dirty, but he shook the thoughts out of his head. A while later he carefully climbed down from his high precarious perch on one of her wings and jumped off the statue when he was low enough to do so safely. Smiling up at his work he placed the cleaning supplies to his side and kneeled on one knee in front of the statue.

" Beloved Xanth, here my call...I have a question...or perhaps questions...I must ask of you. They have been entering my mind increasingly often of late and I feel I must at least ask them, even if in your divine wisdom you choose not to answer. "

Inimicus took a deep breath and continud

" My beloved Xanth...I will not beat around the bush...I must know...who are you really? Do not take this question as me doubting you...you are my goddess and will be no matter what occurs, but often lately I have seen things to make me question where you are from...who you are...why you are here. In the short span of time I have seen two new "deities" appear with writing on their skin similar to what i have seen on you on rare occasions, you take no issue with them being here in fact seem to welcome it. You have never been one to love servility as I was raised considering a facet of a being above everything else...and...I just need to know. I do not doubt you in anyway, I love you as my goddess and that will never change, but I should like to know if in your wisdom you see fit to trust me with that knowledge "

Inimicus bowed his head, his eyes taking in the ground at his feet. A definate advantage of shorter hair had made itself apparent...he now did not have muddy hair.



• Piper's Boutique • Dafont • The Beast • Starry Sky • Model • Obsidian Dawn •

[Aurorra]

Aura watched the man cleaning silently, her arms crossed across her ribs. It was interesting to see the type of devotion that was being given to her younger sister, though she tried not to put much thought into it. Having the statue cleaned... well she could understand it needing to be done, but it seemed weird. Something that their father would have done. Not Xanth. Turning her gaze to her own statue, a gift from her long lost sibling, she frowned slightly. No matter how long she had been around, how many stories and fables were told of her battles, which, were quite outstanding, seeing something before her eyes just felt odd. She never took pride in the things her 'followers' had done, never wanting to become to involved in the worlds and realms. But on occasion, she would come across others speaking of her past. Pictures of a flamed headed warrior who could kill with a glance. Although exact statues of herself made her uneasy, hearing the fiction, and seeing the pictures of what people believed her to be, it was amusing to say the least. Of course, in the end, it really didn't matter. If she searched hard enough, she could find a war somewhere to throw her body into, but for now, the peace and quiet of Elysia was giving her a chance for her mind to catch up with current events.

There was so much on Earth and in Elysia for her to learn, although books weren't her strong suit. Maybe it was her race, or the power within, but she was able to absorb information quickly. Just days with a race, and she could understand their speech. Minutes in a museum, and she could outline their history. Although not everything was accurate, seeing as she cared not to follow through with the information given to her, it was enough for her to realize just how much she was missing in life. One realm could seem so... barbaric, technology not having gone far. While others... like earth, were based on computers, and futuristic technology. Of course, she could have gone to Xanth to obtain all the information she needed, but Aura was more of a hands on woman. Always had been.

Ripping her eyes from her own likeness, she continued to watch the man before her scrubbing away bird poop of her sisters marble shoulder. Raising a brow at the gusto the Vampire had, she wondered what fueled him to devote his life to a woman he hardly new. Where she came from, there were rulers... leaders. Here, there were gods, goddesses. Though this realm hadn't been around for nearly as long as she or Xanth had lived, it had its fair share of deities. Though most with little to no proof of their existence. Maybe it was Xanths direct involvement with those of Elysia that made her a Goddess people believed in. Or perhaps those she gave life were just naive.

Raising a brow as he knelt before the statue, having had finished his duties, she listened to his words, her earlier studies of Earths language coming in surprisingly handy. Widening her eyes at his initial question, her brow soon furrowed. Aura wasn't one for lying, or withholding truth, though she could understand why Xanth might not wish for those here to know about their race. Chaos could ensue, giving her no choice but to destroy everyone to prevent any disaster. Looking up to Xanths marble face, she was curious how her younger sister would answer the man. He was curious, but at the same time he seemed resentful. Of Aura and Vicious. Narrowing her eyes slightly, she stepped forward, her walk light, though not overly feminine. Making her way around the kneeling Vampire, she stopped beside Xanths statue and looked down at him. Seemingly sizing him up, she gestured for him to stand. "From what I've seen here, most that live don't get the chance to know their Deity, let alone see them in the physical sense. Perhaps well enough should be left alone." She said, her voice feminine, but with a hard edge to it. She wasn't about to stand by and allow her presance, along with Vicious' tear down everything Xanth had built. As much as she might crave war, from what she'd seen of Elysia, it wasn't ready for any form of it.





Aethereality ♀ Piper's Boutique ♀ Images

[Inimicus]

The wind, what little of it penetrated the rows of buildings that is, whistled through the quadrangle in its silence. Blowing Inimicus's hair back as he waited for an answer that would not arrive, from a goddess who would not deliver it...at least not this time. He could not know yet of the other goddess watching him, he knew of her likeness and knew for some reason Xanth honored her highly...but he could not know she was hear. Inimicus meant Xanth no disrespect, though it could seem as if he did with his questioning, at heart he was not a bad person...maybe an annoyingly polite one but not bad. He just wanted to know more about Xanth, he loved and honored her for who she was in his eyes, but he wanted to know exactly who it was he was loving...not that that would change anything, if she had been a tyrant somewhere else he would still love her here.

Even with his increased hunter senses he barely heard the footsteps approaching the statue, be that as it may he still didn't look up. Propably another one of Xanth's few true devotees...it wasn't his place to interfeer unless they had questions which needed answering and he was capable of answering. However it soon became very apparent that it was no devotee, he looked up as a voice of incredible power and strength spoke, in some way lacking a little of Xanth's speech...but behind it was an enormous amount of power. He looked up and saw the woman from the other statue, one of the other deities....he didn't even know her name he was a devotee of Xanth and until she told him to worship these ones too he had no desire to, Xanth was his goddess and only she.

However she was still honored by Xanth for some reason he was not sure of, as she gestured for him to stand he did and listened to her words staring straight into her eyes. He would honor her, if his goddess did so would he, but he would not give her the honorific of averting his gaze until he knew a reason for him to do so. As she finished speaking he let the moment sit for a second. After a moment he bowed to her, slightly....not as deep as he did to Xanth once before or to her aides, but a respectful bow and he spoke politely.

" My Lady...I know many people in this world for one reason or another do not get the blessed chance to meet Xanth...but more often than not that is not something of her doing. I however have been blessed enough to meet her, talk with her...I owe her many things and even if she does not answer me, or show herself to me everytime I ask I will still serve her. "

Inimicus took in a breath, he was no coward, but what he was about to say could come off as insulting and this woman was a goddess...he hoped this wouldn't hurt

" I understand your desire to keep an order, and as Xanth honors you, for a reason I am not yet sure of, I will honor you and if you again ask me to leave I will, but i do ask you not to again ask me to leave. If you think that Xanth has good reason not to tell her children what she has not told us, than I understand that. I had no desire to pry dangerous, or shameful if that be the case, secrets from my goddess. I honor Xanth, as some...in fact it seems from the offerings...many, in this world do not understand. They question why I can honor a person whom I cannot talk to or meet everyday, if you require me to answer than I shall...I do not feel that a goddess who has done so much as Xanth, needs to parade herself like some Icon for people to love and belive in her, she is who she is whether or not she appears every second someone asks. Those that get angry when she doesnt walk around the streets everyday...they do not understand...Xanth is who she is, and that is who I love. I do not ask this question to hurt someone I love or honor as I do her above anyone, I do it...to know more about her, and perhaps to know more about where I and my fellow Elysians come from. However if you ask me to leave again I shall without issue My Lady. "

Inimicus bowed again before locking eyes with Aurrora.



• Piper's Boutique • Dafont • The Beast • Starry Sky • Model • Obsidian Dawn •

[Aurorra]

Aura looked down at the Vampire with a small smirk of amusement on her face. For one with so many questions, he sure did have a lot to say, and she found it interesting that he understood, and nearly answered his own questions. Or rather, answered the reason he need not ask them. Xanth was Xanth, just as she was who she was. There was much more to many people that roamed the lands, but most things are better left unsaid. Aura herself hardly talked to those about her life. Even those who might consider themselves close to her knew no great detail. Vicious might know more, but only because she was a mere 'child' when she'd been involved with him. As for her baby sister, she knew anything and everything about Aura. As she always would.

She had no abilities to read minds. The power was stripped from her long ago, although communicating telepathically remained intact. With a single thought, Xanth could prove the mind of the foolish boy before her, and have the pleasure of knowing every tiny insignificant detail of his life. He has every right to ask Xanth the questions he asked, as free will was given to the people Xanth had created. But as a self proclaimed protector of her younger sister's land, Aura would step in any chance she could to shield Xanth from the scrutinizing eyes of Elysia. As she struck down the dragon for his foul mouth and disrespectful words, she would reject the privileged of learning things the vampire should not know.

As Aura's face reveled no emotion, a reflection of her thoughts on the subject, she spoke evenly. "I wouldn't ask you to leave. That's not my place. But if you want answers, I suggest you talk to whoever your governor is." Pausing, Aura looked at the vampire. Xanth was playing a role here, though one she wasn't too keen on. Even so, she'd use it to her advantage. "You call Xanth your goddess. Perhaps you start treating her as such."




Aethereality ♀ Piper's Boutique ♀ Images

[Inimicus]

Inimicus winced as he perceived a chastisment from the woman standing before him. Honestly were she anyone else he would have taken a large amout of offense at her assumption that he was treating Xanth as anything less than the goddess she was after all he came here day in and day out sickness baring to do the task Xanth had assigned him. Further than that he came every day happy, he liked doing this job but for this woman to assume he thought Xanth was anything less was frankly insulting to him.

However Xanth seemed to honor this woman whomever she was, with a statue all her own so Inimicus would honor her as much as he could. Biting his tounge Inimicus forced his lips into a somewhat defeated smile, it was an obvious fake as he was never too good at hiding his emotions, but it was the best he could muster. Sighing he picked up his cleaning supplies and tucked them under his arm. Turning back to the fire haired goddess he bowed deeply sweeping his free arm with the cape to the side in a gesture of submission. He wasn't attempting to be cheeky, but if this woman though he was not treating people as well as he should than he would do what he used to do and act like his parents had taught him.

" As you think is best My Lady, I will leave without issue. Xanth seems to honor you, in all of who you are, so I will accept the wisdom in your words asking no more. I will leave this topic be, you have my word on that and I shall treat Xanth as more of a goddess than I do since my devotion seems in some way lacking to your wisdom. I pray that your days find you in good health and happiness, until if we should ever meet again My goddess. "

With that Inimicus turned on his heel 180 degrees and walked back to the portal. He was going hunting when he got back as he was no longer in the best of moods and seriously needed a drink.
----------------------
A few weeks later
-------------------
It was a good day, finally he got to help someone who needed it, he got to be a guide to those who needed guidance. That was one of the reasons he had become an Acolyte, to help people, he loved Xanth and that was the main reason but being able to combine both was quite a happy prospect for him. Most people didnt really care too much about Xanth, they offered her lip service prayer, but had no love in their hearts...far more so amongst the newer people he had already seen one threaten her only to be schooled by Dazadi. It made him quite happy to see this hatchling, seemingly new to Elyisa, genuinly happy to go talk to Xanth so he had no problem guiding him.

Inimicus turned the corner off the street to the Cafe and walked into the quadrangle hopefully with his guest still behind him. Looking up at the statue he noted with happiness that it had not gotten too dirt since he last fully cleaned it, although he thought he would today after Lute finished since he was here. Breathing in deep the underground springtime air he smiled, it was a good day. Turning he gestured to the statue behind him

" Here it is my friend, I will leave you to your private business with the goddess. If you would like me to stay or need me than I shall be just around the corner right there. Remember if you need anything you can always seek me out to help, I am here every day "

He gestured with his arm towards the statue

" Just do what you feel is right to do, what is in your heart to do. Xanth does not expect any particular form of worship other than respect and a degree of love. If you feel like offering anything to her at all place it in the bowl in front of you. Good Luck my friend "

Inimicus bowed and walked back around the corner starting to clean his sword.




• Piper's Boutique • Dafont • The Beast • Starry Sky • Model • Obsidian Dawn •

[Inimicus]

((OOC: This takes place before “Hunter Training”))


Inimicus wandered into the quadrangle a thin silver chain hanging from the breast pocket of his shirt. He was smiling, more than normal, and his eyes were more heavily lined. It looked like he was working a bit harder than he was use to, but for some reason he seemed excited about the exertion. He was also back to wearing his more traditional garb, his long cape sweeping the ground behind him as he walked towards Xanth's statue, he looked at the other statues as he wandered by and sighed...did they have no acolytes. He may not believe in them as his deity, but still Xanth honored them so someone should deal with their statue...he made a note to clean them after he was done here.

Wandering over to Xanth's Statue he looked up at the gleaming surface, Purple Marble looked amazing when cleaned right and he had just been here yesterday. He was pleasently suprised to see the animals had not messed up his work yet. Looking down at the bowls he smiled, there were a few offerings but even a couple offerings were still a couple people with a knowledge ot be thankful. Kneeling down he pushed back the cape with his hands so it didnt tug when he kneeled on it, pushing it back revealed the scabbards of two swords and a intricate dragon shaped dagger. He lowered his head, not for his goddess as when she showed up he was going to look at her like she asked, but this was how he prayed.

" Beloved Xanth..."

He loved how his goddess understood seemingly any language. English was such a course tounge, he could speak it perfectly...nearly anyone under 40 from germany could, but still it was so unrefined. He loved his mother tounge so much better, it lilted and flowed easier allowing him to speak much faster and more precisly.

"...Thank you for all you have given me. I have been blessed with this life, and now I am blessed even more so with the ability to lead my race into prosperity they have not had the chance to notice yet. For that and all else I am thankful my beloved Xanth. I come here today, not as a govenor, not as your child, not completley as your acolyte, but as someone who loves you and wants to protect that which you hold dear. "

Inimicus had thought long on this, he was strong, not as strong as some but still strong. He had trained his body as a human to fight, and since that shifter he had trained his body as a vampire to fight. He knew fighting did not solve everything, but he knew it was also necessary at times. He wanted to fight for Xanth now

" Being your Acolyte is a blessing I hold dear, that I wouldnt give up for anything. However please, let me lend you my strength. I do not want to force your ideals on anyone, rather I want to protect that which you have built from those who fail to see the blessing it is, or from those who are incapable of seeing it. I have dedicated my life to you my beloved Xanth, let me dedicate my swords to you now. "



• Piper's Boutique • Dafont • The Beast • Starry Sky • Model • Obsidian Dawn •

[Xanth]

There was no preamble as Xanth arrived at her statue, no dramatic displays, no playfulness. She stepped onto the grass of the quadrangle as if she had been standing on the sidewalk watching Inimicus. Wheat-coloured hair spun down her back, the ends brushing her hips. Her bare toes curled into the grass, her toenails painted a lilac so pale it was barely noticable. Frayed denim encased her slender legs, a butterfly chasing up her left ankle in embroidered silk. A pale gypsy top completed the casual appearance and her wings were hidden. Only her eyes, shifting colours in a molten wave of shades of purple, gave her away as being more than she seemed.

"And so you think you ready for battle, Inimicus?" Moving to stand before her statue, Xanth smiled. He had taken good care of her, displaying a dedication he would more than likely commit to any task she set, but he was not nearly as ready as he thought for the dangers of a Shadowblade.

Turning to face him, Xanth her head like a sparrow, a gesture she had learned from Faroah. Surveying him, she changed the subject temporarily. "I hear congratulations are in order, King Malus." She pursed her lips, merely to hide a mischievous grin though Inimicus could not be aware of her teasing. "Have you then grown out of such a lowly position as Acolyte?"



[ Piper's Boutique :: Dafont :: Ca-pris :: Aethereality ]

[Inimicus]

By now Inimicus had gotten used to the fact that Xanth did not like to appear as a goddess, and he knew any young woman who started answering a call anywhere near her statue with butterfly's or purple anywhere on their body was probably Xanth. It wasn't that she had appeared to him so many times, she had appeared several sure, but more of this knowledge came from his realization that she did not like the whole fire and brimstone thing. She had created this world for people to live in happiness, and she liked doing the same.

As a result he was not particularly suprised by today's apperance though it always made his heart beat faster with the realization of who he was talking to. Moving from his prone position he raised on leg and his body, keeping his left leg lying against the ground so he was kneeling before Xanth like a Knight waiting to be Knighted. He looked up at his goddess locking his jade eys with her dazzaling multi-colored ever chaning eyes. It always amazed him, those eyes, a tempest of color and power that showed the true nature behind the oft docile goddess, it scared him sometimes, but not today. He was very pleased when she smiled, crossing in front of her statue, it was an odd comparions from the goddess in marble and the real one before him.

"And so you think you ready for battle, Inimicus?"

Inimicus looked up at his goddess as she said that, following her lips uttering the words. He thought for a second on how best to answer that question, he knew the truth in himself. There were stronger people, faster people, people better skilled with a weapon in Elysia. However Inimicus thought he could be ready for battle, he may not have as much strength, but he did have heart. As corny as that sounded even in his own head it was true. One with true passion and love for something could do amazing things, it was mind over matter when the flesh was weak the heart and mind took over. He looked back up to answer just as Xanth continued congratulatiing him on his promotion, that name still sounded odd to him. No one in his family had been king, or even near it. They had been lords, Dukes, counts, all forms of nobility but never King, it sounded odd to hear that name directed at himself.

"Have you then grown out of such a lowly position as Acolyte?"

Inimicus winced when he heard that. Sure it wasn't a glamorous job to those who didnt know its true meaning, but Inimicus loved the job and barring his sickness he had performed it faithfully. He knew his goddess knew that and he wondered if she was teasing him a little, still he hoped he had not offended. He looked up at the girl that was Xanth and smiled fondly, speaking to her

" King Malus...that name still sounds odd to hear...more so from your lips my goddess. I will do my best to lead the vampires to more acceptance in society my goddess. However important that job is, it is not why I came here today, though I thank you for your well wishes truly and with all my heart."

He caught his breath before continuing, he had a habit of rambling if he didnt watch himself. He needed to force himself to break up his speech into smaller portions which were easier to digest.

" As for outgrowing my job as Acolyte....I do not think I ever could fully. I do not consider it a lowly position to serve you in anyway, much less tend to your statue, and even if I become a shadowblade chances are I might sneak in here and do some cleaning at night "

He smiled Rougishly at Xanth, he was being bold but he hoped she wouldnt mind.

"I think I am ready to fight beloved Xanth. I admit, fully, I am not the strongest nor the swiftest of your servants, that is not in question. However, there is more to fighting than swinging a sword I believe. There is desire and will behind a blade, it is more than just a sharp tool, it should be an extension of the warriors will and mind that creates the strength. Desire and will I have my goddess, I want to protect that which you have built from that which would destroy it. You gave me the gift of a second life for me and my family, you gave me the chance to see the beauty you created. Allow me to lend my swords to protect it now. "



• Piper's Boutique • Dafont • The Beast • Starry Sky • Model • Obsidian Dawn •

[Xanth]

Xanth gracefully lifted onto her tiptoes, for all the world looking like a child at play and certainly not paying attention to what her companion was saying. She balanced precariously and wobbled, still on her tiptoes, in a circle around Inimicus as he spoke. Although she seemed more interested in her own movements and thoughts, she was paying careful attention to what he was saying.

Though he spoke the truth about a warrior's strength being more than that of muscles, and while it was true also that heart and will played a large part in the role of a ShadowBlade, she was not yet convinced he was truly ready. He had little experience battling Elysia's nastier creatures and was still so young, so new... so naive. She would not risk him before she knew he was truly ready, and definitely not now that he held such an important position for his people.

Considering how even Arkadios Rhea had been out of his depth during his last assignment, Xanth had even more reason to resist Inimicus's request. She could not afford to simply throw bodies at the monsters like cannon fodder. She would not treat her people in such a way.

"You speak truth, Inimicus, but I wonder," she said softly, still circling him on her tiptoes as she glanced up at him through thick eyelashes, her head tipped down so he could not fully see her expression. "Have you faced a vlareon? Or a griffin, even? Have you stood alone on a battlefield not of your making with no aid or support but that which you make for yourself?" Halting in front of him, she tipped her face up to meet his gaze, her expression gentle. He would face these things and more as a ShadowBlade.

"You have the will and the desire... but you are not yet ready."

Piper's Boutique ¤ Dafont ¤ Anime Rain ¤ Aethereality ¤ Keira Knightley

[Inimicus]

Inimicus truly adored Xanth, though likely ancient by his standards she still acted with childlike enthusiasm. It was comforting to see in a world that often times was far too serious, that the one person who made it all still delighted in just enjoying herself. As she wobbled onto her tip-toes Inimicus couldn't help but laugh a little under his breath, not at her wobbling, but at how unusual it was. Despite how serious his request was he couldnt help but crack a fangy smile as she started circling him again after he finished speaking.

Most people would assume she hadn't been listening, then again most people would assume she was a little girl. However Inimicus knew no matter how much she seemed lost in her own private world, she was still very much in tune to waht was going on around her. He knew she could see and know everything at a moments will, a will that he did not think took much effort past the inital. She started to speak, for the first few words of her sentence it was looking up for Inimicus's mind. Then the last three words came into play and his heart fell...those three never ended with a positive result.

He listened with a note of sadness as she continued speaking, about how she wondered...she wondered...he knew she knew. How she "wondered" if he had ever met a truly powerful creature by himself with only his strength to face it and no tricks. He thought on that, he had never even faced a monster that wanted to kill him period, his strength was untested and untrained in combat. He sighed, it was true and he knew it. Still it was not something he wanted to hear, he so much wanted to do something more for Xanth. He knew his acolyte position was a one that helped her, and he loved it, but he wanted to do more in addition to that. He had pledged his life to her, and he wanted to lay it on the line to protect that which she wanted to protect, but it looked like it wouldnt be that way. He sighed and looked up at her soft expression, it helped to lift his spirits a little but still he wasn't exactly happy.

"You are right of course beloved Xanth. I have never faced a sentient, never a griffon, never a hydra, nothing. I have the strength of my race and the will of my family but both are untested where it matters, what is strength when you do not know if you can lift it against your enemy. I have only ever faced one monster and I even failed in noticing he was a monster, if I cannot kill the monster who was the man who turned me....how can I protect you. "

He smiled a little, Elder was still alive somewhere and soon he would have to deal with him. Not only was it personal, but Elder was a rouge and thus it was also his duty as the King to deal with him. He could send the Shadow Hunters, the Elite of the Vampires to deal with him, he knew where the house was. However this was a personal matter and he could never rest until he solved it. He smiled and looked at Xanth

"thank you my beloved goddess, for your desire to protect me from my own short-sighted ambitions. I swear to you I will grow stronger, and when I am stronger I will once again pledge you my sword. Thank you for all the blessings you have given me darling Xanth "

Inimicus lowered his head in a bow as he finished speaking.



• Piper's Boutique • Dafont • The Beast • Starry Sky • Model • Obsidian Dawn •

[Xanth]

All trace of playfulness was gone now as Xanth afforded the Vampire her full and serious attention, inclining her head gracefully at his final words. She had faith in him and trusted that he would return one day just as he swore, just as she knew she would accept his service as a ShadowBlade just as soon as he was ready. Unfortunately, their opinions on what was and was not readiness differed a great deal and she could not help but fear he would return too early. Still, he showed a great deal of promise and if his prowess with a blade was anything like his dedication he would do well.

She could not let him leave without a final, gentle warning, however. "Remember, Inimicus, that a ShadowBlade is so much more than a warrior, and a warrior so much more than a sword arm." He might well know every technique there ever was, but that would not necessarily make him ready to become a ShadowBlade. This was not, however, something she could make him understand. Just as with many things, it was something he needed to learn for himself.

Ending the conversation with a sudden clap of her hands, Xanth smiled. "I have faith in you, Inimicus." Inclining her head again, Xanth started to fade away - but not before a mischievous grin spread across her lips and she blew the Vampire King a kiss, waggling her fingers in an impish wave before disappearing from view.

OOC// Xanth has left the thread.

Piper's Boutique ¤ Dafont ¤ Anime Rain ¤ Aethereality ¤ Keira Knightley

[Inimicus]

Inimicus kept his head bowed for a moment as Xanth spoke, but soon lifted his head to look in her eyes as she prefered. Even as much of a child as she appeared, and had acted, she was capable of such depth in any form that it was amazing. One passing by would be shocked by how such a young girl could put on such depth and how her face could show the wisdom of so many ages, even to Inimicus who knew this was Xanth found himself suprised. He was a little upset, not with her, but with himself, he was still weak. He had been weak when Elder turned him, and however strong he had become as a vampire he was still weak. What had he been thinking, could he fight a dragon? Could he stand up against anything that he would have to fight? He couldn't even stand up against that shifter woman, not that he so much wanted to anymore, he needed to get stronger and he swore silently to himself he would whatever it took he would.

" I have faith in you, Inimicus "

As Xanth said that Inimicus couldnt contain a grin and a smile, that simple phrase made him so happy. To hear that from the person he most wanted to please, was something that validated everything he was doing. He watched as Xanth grinned mischeviously and blew him a kiss, as he saw her lips pucker his eyes widened. She..had...and the...Kiss. Inimicus was stunned, he started to blush as a broad smile creeped across his face, the red of the blush creeping with the smile was very highlighted on his rather pale skin. As Xanth dissapeared with a wave Inimicus sat still smiling for a moment...wow. Smiling he stood, bending down again he placed a wad of money in the bowl by her statue.

" Thank you my darling, beloved Xanth. You truly make me happy to exist "

Smiling Inimicus wandered away humming a happy tune under his breath.



• Piper's Boutique • Dafont • The Beast • Starry Sky • Model • Obsidian Dawn •